John Percy Mccollum Jr.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret) John (Mac) Percy McCollum, Jr. 76, died peacefully after battling cancer, in his Prince George, VA home on February 8, 2018. Mr. McCollum was born the eldest of nine children on July 14, 1941, in Elizabeth, Louisiana to John Sr. and Hazel Lee McCollum. At a young age, John had a lot of responsibilities due to both parents working but he was always willing to learn something new. He took that desire to learn into his later years and turned it into a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that he would share with those who would listen. In 1958, he joined the armed forces and built a 30 year career, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major of the 266th Quartermaster Battalion at Fort Lee. Greatly respected by his fellow officers and men, CSM McCollum was thought of as a tough Commanding Officer who demanded the best from everyone and at the same time, “having a heart of gold”. Throughout his military career, CSM McCollum was awarded numerous awards including: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service, Army Service Ribbon/ Over Seas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal (2D Oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), NCO professional development ribbon (5th award) and Legion of Merit. In 1989, Command Sergeant Major McCollum was discharged with full honors and joined Chesterfield Law Enforcement serving the community as a Deputy Sheriff until 2003. A devoted husband of 29 years to his second wife Gabriele (deceased), CSM McCollum created a wonderful home in which to raise their children and enjoy watching their grandchildren grow. After retiring, Mac indulged his passions for gardening, fishing, golfing, playing cards and traveling with his bride, Marsha whom he married at their home in Prince George, VA in 2014. He always encouraged others to do the right thing and to enjoy life to the fullest because “That’s what life’s about”. John P. McCollum, Jr. was a meticulous officer, loving husband and a devoted father who will be remembered for his wit and unmistakable ability to say exactly what was on his mind. He is survived by his wife, Marsha P. McCollum; daughters, Sandrine McCollum of Woodbridge, VA Linda McCollum-Moore (Jesse) of Chesterfield, VA, Kim Davis-Potts (stepdaughter); his grandchildren, Chelsea McCollum, Alexis Moore, Jevon Slade, and Destiny McCollum. His siblings, Howard McCollum, Ruby Butler, Anne McCollum, Betty McCollum and Leonard McCollum; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Edward McCollum, Joyce Taylor, and Paulette Edwards. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on February 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be sent to 6924 Ash Ct., Prince George, VA 23875. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com